Smythe - Thanks a bunch for the info.

Leighton - MAAS?

Expanding the post a little... What is a good method to remove pitting and what does it exactly look like. Rust = Red and obvious. I'm envisioning pits as being dips in the blade itself that are black, correct? If severe enough they can be felt, right?

Again, reading the wiki and some general how-to's say sanding is the route. (Who knew that metal and wood would require nearly the same tools...?)

I figured there wouldn't be any shortcuts, but there's nothing wrong in asking. I rather enjoy finding things that don't have shortcuts; it makes it more genuine and meaningful. Especially when the end product can be used.

Maybe it's just me, but shortcuts sound like a heck of a lot of BORING! Let alone not nearly as rewarding.